Janesville high schools kick off safe driving campaign Thursday

Parker and Craig students who signed a safe driving pledge last fall will have a chance April 24 to win a Chevrolet Cobalt as part of AAA's Operation Click program.

The program, in its first year in Rock County, encourages teens to practice safe driving habits.

"It's been a learning year," said Deri Wahlert, Parker social students teacher and co-adviser for the program. "We've been doing it since October. When the opportunity came to Rock County, we got on board."

The AAA program was formed in Crystal Lake, Ill., in 1998 and has since spread to five counties in Illinois and two in Wisconsin--Rock and Walworth counties. The organization provides $1,500 for promotion and event planning to each school that participates.

"We've got everything ready for our kids," Wahlert said. "Considering it's our first year, it's been great. We hope that each year it will get bigger and better."

Other Rock County high schools participating are Edgerton, Evansville and Parkview.